“Low Hanging Fruit”
Galatians 5 tells us, “The entire law is summed up in a single command: “Love your neighbor as yourself” (v 6). The very next verse describes much of our culture today, “If you keep on biting and devouring each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other” (v 7).
Can you imagine what life would be like if people simply treated everyone they meet the way they themselves want to be treated? Paul continues in verse 17, “the sinful nature of a person is in conflict with God’s Spirit” which consequently leads to disagreements and sometimes even hatred. But God offers a remedy.
Galatians 5:19 describes acts of the sinful nature as being obvious, sexual immorality, impurity, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, discord, jealousy envy, drunkenness, and dissensions. However, we don’t have to live this way. God’s grace is greater than all our sins and can literally transform our lives. There are two questions to be answered: “Do you really want to be a Christian and if so, what kind of a Christian do you want to be?”
Galatians 5:22-23 says, “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” Does this seem like an overwhelming list? It is without God’s help. But when totally surrendered to Christ, we begin to act as He does. This fruit exemplifies the behavior of a Spirit filled believer.
We’ll never be perfect in this life, but surrendering to God allows His Spirit to work within and you will be shocked at what you’ll become when His teachings are put into practice. Second Corinthians 5:17 says, “The old things pass away, all things become new for I am a new creature.”
Keep in mind, there are many following in your footsteps and others who are watching and listening. Do you want your journey to lead others to Christ or away from Him? The “Fruit of the Spirit” is within the reach of every single person that desires to experience it. A surrender to Christ will also impact the lives of others.
Pastor Carnes
